What We Learned:
What is the State of the Arts
in America
and Where Does Austin Fit in the Mix?
What was your favorite moment of the Americans for the Arts conference?
Listening to choreographer Liz Lerman talk about making art with scientists, shipyard workers, and all sorts of other people. Liz reminded me that when we think about the arts as a means of developing Austin, we mustn’t limit our planning to the installation of another outdoor sculpture or to the presentation of another arts festival. Art is a process. Art is a form of inquiry. Art is a mode of problem-solving. Art is a community activity. If the arts are going to be more than window dressing in Austin, then we need to think much more broadly and systematically about the process of art, rather than just its end-products.
Ann Daly
Arts consultant, moderator for AFTA panel “Artist as Citizen,” Austin